From the Research
Pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome affects approximately 10-20% of people over the age of 50 worldwide. The condition becomes more common with advancing age, with rates increasing to about 20-25% in those over 70 years old 1. PEX syndrome is characterized by the production and accumulation of abnormal fibrillar material in various ocular tissues, particularly on the lens capsule and pupillary margin. This condition is important to identify because it significantly increases the risk of glaucoma (PEX glaucoma), with affected individuals having a 5-10 times higher risk of developing glaucoma compared to age-matched controls.
Some key points to consider about PEX syndrome include:
- The prevalence varies significantly by geographic region and ethnicity, with higher rates in Scandinavian countries and certain Mediterranean populations, and lower rates in African and Asian populations 1.
- The condition often affects one eye first before potentially progressing to involve both eyes, and regular eye examinations are recommended for early detection since many patients remain asymptomatic until complications develop.
- A reliable diagnosis of PEX syndrome requires pupillary dilation, as the characteristic central PEX deposits are lacking in up to 50% of patients 1.
- Early stages of the disease may be recognized on the basis of subtle alterations of the lens surface, in addition to poor pupillary dilation and pigment-related signs including pigment dispersion and peripupillary atrophy 1.
It is essential to note that while the provided studies discuss various aspects of glaucoma management and treatment, only study 1 directly addresses PEX syndrome, making it the most relevant study for this question.